Display device designed as a learning system for displaying numerals and use

Abstract

Display device (20) with at least one four-segment display unit, wherein the display device (20) has a frame (23) configured for fastening or placing the display device, wherein the display unit (10) is configured to display characters, letters and / or numbers in each case by means of a plurality of segments (3.1; 10.1) of the display unit, comprising a logic unit (21) configured to control the respective segment (3.1; 10.1) in at least two states: ON state, OFF state, wherein the display unit is configured to display, by means of the plurality of segments, at least one number or sequence of digits from the group or composed of the group of the following integers of the decimal system as numerals: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9; characterized in that the display unit is designed as a four-segment display unit with four individually controllable segments (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4), wherein the display unit is configured to display the respective number symbol of the decimal system exclusively by means of the four segments in each case, controlled in one of the two states, wherein the individual segments are arranged relative to one another according to sides of a four-sided polygon, wherein all four segments are each configured as a line-shaped segment, wherein the individual segments are arranged relative to one another according to sides of a four-sided polygon in rectangular or square geometry, in each case at an angle of at least approximately 90°, wherein the display device is configured as a learning system which further comprises at least one display device (1) configured to display characters, letters, numbers of the decimal system in modern Arabic script, which enables direct comparison or direct reference to the decimal system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to a display device in the form of a learning system for the visual display of characters, letters and / or numbers in each case by means of a plurality of optically perceptible segments. The present invention relates not least also to corresponding uses. In particular, the invention relates to a display device according to the preamble of the independent claim.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe convenient presentation of simple and well readable letter or number characters (hereinafter generally referred to as characters) in all conceivable life situations is and remains a great challenge regardless of the alphabet chosen. Asian characters may be comparatively complex, at least from the standpoint of a europaeer. Arabic signs may be comparatively difficult to differentiate, at least from the perspective of a europaeer. Characters of the Latin alphabet and the decimal system are pleasantly clear and simple in notation, and also allow for graphical variations. However, the latter may also lead to readability becoming more difficult again. In connection with the display of numbers (numerical characters), in contrast to letters, comparatively moderate graphic variations take place in practice. However, there is interest in further simplifying the readability of numerals, generally, not only in relation to the decimal system. In particular, even easier readability can facilitate computing or navigation, for example, or improve readability at long distances, with the technical effect that the display device can be made smaller (lower costs, less space requirement, less light / radiation emission).EP 1 764 775 B1 describes a display device having a plurality of seven-segment display units. EP 2 595 398 B1 and DE 695 17 605 T2 and DE 20 2013 104 743 U1 describe further display devices for the controlled display of optically perceptible characters.Further types of display units can be found in descriptions of binary watches and in the following publication: EP 02 74 172 A1.Against this background, there is a need for as simple as possible, easily readable characters, on the one hand, and a need for technical as simple as possible, cost-effective and / or space-saving-optimized devices configured for the purpose-optimized display of these characters, and analogously a need for corresponding methods for display.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is an object to provide a device for displaying writing or displaying number characters, with which simplification and narrowing can be achieved and, not least, readability can also be facilitated. It is also an object to configure numerical indicia with the most reduced complexity possible and to be able to be understood as easily as possible or to be shown easily.At least one of these objects is achieved by a display device according to claim 1 and by a use according to the independent claim of use. Advantageous refinements of the invention are explained in the respective dependent claims. The features of the exemplary embodiments described below can be combined with one another, provided that this is not explicitly negated.A display device having at least one four-segment display unit is provided, wherein the display device has a frame configured to fasten or place the display device, wherein the display unit is configured to represent characters, letters and / or numbers that can be perceived visually in each case by means of a plurality of visually perceptible segments of the display unit, comprising a logic unit configured to actuate the respective segment in at least two states: state ON (optically perceptible segment), state OFF (segment that cannot be perceived visually or is less easily perceived), wherein the display unit is configured to display at least one number or sequence of digits of the group or composed of the group of the following integers or digits of the decimal system as number characters by means of the plurality of segments: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, the display unit is designed as a four-segment display unit having four segments that can be individually controlled in each case, the display unit being configured to display the respective numerical sign of the decimal system exclusively by means of the four segments controlled in each case in one of the two states. This not only simplifies the apparatus but also provides a number character of a very simple structure and can improve readability.The logic unit can be configured to actuate the respective segments, in particular based on specifications of a computer program product.A display unit is understood to be a technical device configured for displaying / displaying, which is configured to display the respective segments in an optically perceptible manner to a viewer, in particular depending on the prevailing light conditions. For example, the display unit has an automatic radiation intensity adjustment.A numeral symbol is understood to be a symbol or numeral symbol which represents any number of a numerical system.According to one exemplary embodiment, the number 1 is represented or can be represented by a single segment or is represented thereby, in particular by a vertical segment. This also provides a number sign of very simple construction.The number 2 is preferably represented or representable by two individual segments (or is represented thereby), in particular by a vertical segment and a horizontal segment, preferably laterally protruding at an upper end of the vertical segment, more preferably protruding to the right. This also provides a number sign of very simple construction. The number 3 is preferably represented / representable by three individual segments or is represented thereby, in particular by a vertical segment and two horizontal segments, preferably unilateral, descending at an upper and lower end of the vertical segment, further preferably descending to the left. This also provides a number sign of very simple construction.The number 4 is preferably represented / representable by two individual segments or is represented thereby, in particular by a vertical segment and a horizontal segment, preferably laterally protruding at a lower end of the vertical segment, more preferably protruding to the right. This also provides a number sign of very simple construction.The number 5 is preferably represented / representable by three individual segments or is represented thereby, in particular by a vertical segment and two horizontal segments, preferably unilateral, descending at an upper and lower end of the vertical segment, further preferably descending to the right. This also provides a number sign of very simple construction.The number 6 is preferably represented / representable by two individual segments or is represented thereby, in particular by a vertical segment and a horizontal segment, preferably laterally protruding at an upper end of the vertical segment, more preferably protruding to the left. This also provides a number sign of very simple construction.The number 7 is preferably represented / representable by three individual segments or is represented thereby, in particular by two vertical segments and one horizontal segment, preferably arranged laterally between the two vertical segments, further preferably below between the ends of the vertical segments. This also provides a number sign of very simple construction.The number 8 is preferably represented / representable by two individual segments or is represented thereby, in particular by a vertical segment and a horizontal segment, preferably laterally protruding at a lower end of the vertical segment, more preferably protruding to the left. This also provides a number sign of very simple construction.The number 9 is preferably represented / representable by three individual segments or is represented thereby, in particular by two vertical segments and one horizontal segment, preferably arranged laterally between the two vertical segments, further preferably at the top between the ends of the vertical segments. This also provides a number sign of very simple construction.The number 0 is preferably represented / representable by four individual segments or is represented thereby, in particular by two vertical segments and two horizontal segments, preferably respectively arranged laterally between the two vertical segments, further preferably at the top and bottom between the ends of the vertical segments. This also provides a number sign of very simple construction.The respective numerical character can also be well readable owing to the simple construction and can be represented by a very minimallyistically constructed apparatus. The transmission of numerical information to the observer is thus on the one hand technically simplified, on the other hand also clearer, more unambiguous and thus more reliable.The individual segments can be arranged with the free ends in each case abutting one another, in particular more or less without a visually perceptible gap.According to the invention, the individual segments are arranged relative to one another according to the sides of a quadrilateral polygon, in particular in a rectangular or square geometry, in particular are each arranged relative to one another at an angle of at least approximately 90°, in particular adjoining one another at the free ends. This also provides a very simple number character and good legibility.According to the invention, all four segments are each designed as a linear segment, in particular as a straight segment without curvature with respect to the respective longitudinal axis (longitudinal axis=linear). This also provides a very simple number character and good legibility.According to an advantageous exemplary embodiment, the respective segment is formed by an optical display element consisting of at least one light source coupled to the logic unit, in particular an LED light source. This simplifies not least the technical implementation in connection with a number sign of very simple construction, and also enables good readability, in particular since an LED light source can be geometrically delimited very exactly.The respective segment can extend two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally or be two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally aligned or constructed. This provides flexibility and range of variants for the optimal technical implementation in each case.At least one of the aforementioned objects is accordingly achieved by the display device described here with at least one previously described four-segment display unit, wherein the display device has a frame configured for fastening or placing the display device, namely a frame with a bottom side which is planar at least in sections for placing on a planar surface (floor). As a result, the display unit can be positioned flexibly, whether for learning / teaching purposes, whether for traffic monitoring, whether for private or business use.In this case, the display device or the respective four-segment display unit can have a vertical and / or horizontal extent of 5 cm to 5 m. An extension in the range of only 5 cm maximum, for example, enables a high information density in a small space. An extension in the range of several meters enables good legibility even over long distances, in particular in connection with traffic guidance or traffic monitoring.According to an advantageous embodiment, the display device further comprises a one-segment display unit, in particular in an arrangement in front of or to the left of the four-segment display units. This can further reduce the space requirement, in particular in connection with a use for displaying the time in the 12h system. The one-segment display unit then only needs to display the number "1" (state ON or OFF).According to an advantageous embodiment, the display device comprises at least two, three, five or six previously described four-segment display units, wherein the display device is designed as a clock, and wherein the four-segment display units are arranged one next to the other individually or in pairs. This also provides a comparatively compact device with comparatively good readability with respect to time information with respect to the respective size of the device.The display device may comprise at least two four-segment display units described above. According to the invention, the individual segments according to the sides of a quadrilateral polygon are arranged in rectangular geometry relative to one another at an angle of at least approximately 90°, in particular in abutment with the free ends adjoining one another, wherein all four segments are each formed as a rectilinear segment, wherein the display device has a frame with a bottom side which is planar at least in sections and is configured for fastening or parking the display device. This also provides a very clear, compact arrangement.The display device is configured as a learning system which furthermore has at least one display device configured to display characters, letters, numbers of the decimal system in modern-arabic font, in particular by means of at least one seven-segment display unit, wherein the at least one four-segment display unit of the display device is preferably arranged in each case in a relative arrangement relative to the seven-segment display unit, in particular in an arrangement vertically one above the other in pairs. This system can be used advantageously for training purposes, or also in connection with traffic guidance for different addresses, e.g. pilot and traveler. This also allows direct comparison or direct reference to the decimal system.Based on the display device described here, it is also advantageously possible to implement a method for (optically perceptible) displaying characters, letters and / or numbers in each case by means of a plurality of (optically perceptible) segments, comprising actuating the respective segment for setting the segment in one of at least two states: state ON, state OFF, wherein at least one number or digit sequence of the group or composed of the group of the following integers of the decimal system is displayed as digit symbols by means of the plurality of segments: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9; wherein the display of the respective digit symbol of the decimal system is effected by means of a maximum of four segments, wherein the display is effected exclusively by means of the maximum of four segments in in each case one of the two states. This results in the aforementioned advantages.At least one of the aforementioned objects is also achieved by using a computer program product for setting optically perceptible segments in one of at least two states: state ON, state OFF, for representing characters, letters and / or numbers in each case by means of a plurality of the segments, wherein at least one number or digit sequence of the group or composed of the group of the following integers of the decimal system is displayed as digit symbols in each case by means of a maximum of four segments per digit symbol set by the computer program product: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9; in particular for a display device described above. This results in the aforementioned advantages.At least one of the aforementioned objects is also achieved by using a plurality of four-segment display units described above for displaying number signs for a road user, in particular for displaying the time, in particular in connection with traffic monitoring, in particular at airports. This results in the aforementioned advantages.Thus, the present invention also relates to the use of a plurality of four-segment display units described above for teaching purposes and / or for learning purposes, each in a relative arrangement relative to a corresponding seven-segment display unit configured to display characters, letters, numbers of the decimal system in modern-arabic font, in particular in an arrangement in pairs vertically one above the other, in particular as a clock for displaying the time (hours, minutes and / or seconds). This results in the aforementioned advantages.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURESThe invention is described in more detail in the following drawing figures, wherein reference numerals that are not explicitly described in a respective drawing figure are referred to the other drawing figures. The following are shown: FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of ten numerical signs according to the invention, illustrated according to one exemplary embodiment, in each case in comparison with the integers of the decimal system; FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D each show a schematic illustration of a display device comprising at least one four-segment display unit according to an exemplary embodiment; FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C each show a schematic illustration of a display device comprising at least three four-segment display units according to an exemplary embodiment; and FIGS. 4A, 4B each show a schematic illustration of a display device or a display unit according to the prior art.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURESFIG. 1 serves substantially to explain the structure of the numerical signs according to the invention in / by individual segments or segment-like line sections.In FIG. 1, the integers 1 to 9 and the zero (0) of the decimal system are shown on an upper level. The reference to the decimal system was made here purely by way of example; naturally, reference could also be made to the Roman numerical notation, for example.On a plane arranged underneath, numerals or numbers are marked in accordance with the manner of the representation according to the invention. Each of these ten numbers can be displayed by means of a four-segment display unit according to the invention.The number 1 or the corresponding four-segment number character is represented as a single vertical segment.The number 2 or the corresponding four-segment number symbol is represented by two individual segments, namely by a vertical segment and a horizontal segment, laterally extending to the right at an upper end of the vertical segment.The number 3 or the corresponding four-segment number sign is represented by three individual segments, namely by one vertical segment and two horizontal segments, unilateral towards the left at an upper and lower end of the vertical segment. The number 4 or the corresponding four-segment number symbol is represented by two individual segments, namely by a vertical segment and a horizontal segment, laterally extending to the right at a lower end of the vertical segment.The number 5 or the corresponding four-segment number sign is represented by three individual segments, namely by one vertical segment and two horizontal segments, unilateral towards the right at an upper and lower end of the vertical segment.The number 6 or the corresponding four-segment number symbol is represented by two individual segments, namely by a vertical segment and a horizontal segment, laterally extending to the left at an upper end of the vertical segment.The number 7 or the corresponding four-segment number symbol is represented by three individual segments, namely by two vertical segments and one horizontal segment, laterally arranged below between the ends of the two vertical segments.The number 8 or the corresponding four-segment number symbol is represented by two individual segments, namely by a vertical segment and a horizontal segment, laterally extending to the left at a lower end of the vertical segment.The number 9 or the corresponding four-segment number symbol is represented by three individual segments, namely by two vertical segments and one horizontal segment, laterally arranged at the top between the ends of the two vertical segments.The number 0 or the corresponding four-segment number symbol is represented by four individual segments, namely by two vertical segments and two horizontal segments, respectively arranged laterally at the top and bottom between the ends of the two vertical segments.FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D show variants of a display device 20 each having at least one four-segment display unit 10. The respective four-segment display unit 10 comprises a first segment 10.1, a second segment 10.2, a third segment 10.3 and a fourth segment 10.4. Each segment can be set in at least two states, in particular by means of a logic unit 21: ON (optically perceptible); OFF (optically imperceptible, or at least not highlighted by illumination / light). The display device 20 comprises a frame 23 configured to fasten or place the display device, wherein the frame has an at least partially planar underside 23.1. At least one transverse support for supporting the display device 20 with respect to the vertical axis and optionally also with respect to at least one horizontal axis can also be provided on the frame.In FIG. 2A, the respective segment 10.1, 10.4 with two free ends 10a, 10b is designed as a straight segment, which extends along a central longitudinal axis M10. The free ends are each arranged in abutment with one of the further segments, an angle of at least approximately 90° being formed, so that a rectangular geometry results.In FIG. 2B, a display device 20 comprising two four-segment display units 10 is shown. The display device 20 can be used, for example, for displaying hours, minutes or seconds, for example in a sporting competition in which time units of less than 99 seconds or less than 99 minutes are to be observed. The left segment 10.4 of the left four-segment display unit 10 is in the OFF state and is formed by a single display element 11 or by a single light source 12.In FIG. 2C, a size-optimized display device 20 comprising a four-segment display unit 10 and a one-segment display unit 19 is shown. The display device 20 can be used, for example, for displaying hours in the 12 h system. The one-segment display unit 19 is configured to display the numeral 1 by means of a single vertical segment 19.1. This display device 20 only requires little space or can be designed as large as possible and easily visible with little space.FIG. 2D shows a size-optimized variant comprising two four-segment display units 10 and one single-segment display unit 19. This variant is suitable, for example, for displaying minutes 1 to 199, i.e., for example in the sports sector, when time units of less than 199 seconds or less than 199 minutes have to be observed. The one-segment display unit 19 is in the OFF state and is formed by a single display element 11 which is formed by two individual light sources 12 or has these light sources. The two light sources 12 may be arranged so close together that both light sources 12 are perceived together as a single segment.In FIGS. 3A, 3B, a learning system 40 with a numerical display 22 (modern-arabic numerical symbols of the decimal system) is shown in each case. By means of a computer program product 30, the learning of the number characters can be simplified according to the four-segment representation according to the invention. The respective learning system 40 can also be designed as a clock or timer. The logic unit 21 is configured to actuate the respective four-segment display unit 10 and the corresponding numerical display 22 in pairs, in particular for synchronous changing of the displayed numerical characters.A learning program can be set from 1 to 999, for example. For example, in FIG. 3A, the third four-segment display unit switches from numeral 4 to numeral 5, and simultaneously, the third numeral display 22 switches from numeral 4 to numeral 5.In FIG. 3C, a display device 20 comprising six four-segment display units 10 is shown. The display device 20 can be designed as a clock or timer, in particular with paired four-segment display units, each for displaying hours, minutes, seconds.In FIG. 4A, a display device 1 is shown with a seven-segment display unit 3 with seven individual segments 3.1. FIG. 4B shows a display device 1 having six individual seven-segment display units 3, in the form of a clock for displaying hours, minutes, seconds.List of reference characters1 Display device 3 seven-segment display unit 3.1 single segment 10 four-segment display unit 10 a, 10 bfree end 10.1 first segment 10.2 second segment 10.3 third segment 10.4 fourth segment 11 display element 12 light source 19 one-segment display unit 19.1 segment 20 display device 21 logic unit 22 number display (modern-arabic numerical symbols of the decimal system) 23 frame 23.1 at least in sections level underside 30 computer program product 40 learning system M 10 center longitudinal axis of the respective segment

Claims

Display device (20) having at least one four-segment display unit, wherein the display device (20) has a frame (23) configured to fasten or place the display device, wherein the display unit (10) is configured to display characters, letters and / or numbers in each case by means of a plurality of segments (3.1; 10.1) of the display unit, comprising a logic unit (21) configured to actuate the respective segment (3.1; 10.1) in at least two states: state ON, state OFF, wherein the display unit is configured to display, by means of the plurality of segments, at least one number or digit sequence of the group or composed of the group of the following integers of the decimal system as digit symbols: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9; characterized in that, the display unit is designed as a four-segment display unit having four segments (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4) which can be individually controlled in each case, wherein the display unit is designed to display the respective numerical character of the decimal system exclusively by means of the four segments controlled in in each case in one of the two states, wherein the individual segments are arranged relative to one another according to sides of a quadrilateral polygon, wherein all four segments are each designed as a linear segment, wherein the individual segments are arranged relative to one another according to sides of a quadrilateral polygon in a rectangular or square geometry, in each case at an angle of at least approximately 90°, wherein the display device is designed as a learning system which furthermore has at least one display device (1) designed to display characters, letters, numbers of the decimal system in modern-arabic font, which enables direct comparison or direct reference to the decimal system.Display device (20) according to claim 1, wherein the number 1 is represented by a single segment (10.2, 10.4), in particular by a vertical segment; and / or wherein the number 2 is represented by two single segments (10.1, 10.4), in particular by a vertical segment and a horizontal segment, preferably laterally protruding at an upper end of the vertical segment, further preferably protruding to the right; and / or wherein the number 3 is represented by three single segments (10.1, 10.2, 10.3), in particular by a vertical segment and two horizontal segments, preferably unilateral protruding at an upper and lower end of the vertical segment, further preferably protruding to the left; and / or wherein the number 4 is represented by two individual segments (10.3, 10.4), in particular by a vertical segment and a horizontal segment, preferably laterally protruding at a lower end of the vertical segment, more preferably protruding to the right; and / or wherein the number 5 (10.1, 10.3, 10.4) is represented by three individual segments, in particular by a vertical segment and two horizontal segments, preferably unilateral protruding at an upper and lower end of the vertical segment, more preferably protruding to the right; and / or wherein the number 6 is represented by two individual segments (10.1, 10.2), in particular by a vertical segment and a horizontal segment, preferably laterally protruding at an upper end of the vertical segment, more preferably protruding to the left; and / or wherein the number 7 is represented by three individual segments (10.2, 10.3, 10.4), in particular by two vertical segments and one horizontal segment, preferably laterally arranged between the two vertical segments, more preferably below between the ends of the vertical segments; and / or wherein the number 8 is represented by two individual segments (10.2, 10.3), in particular by a vertical segment and one horizontal segment, preferably laterally protruding at a lower end of the vertical segment, more preferably protruding to the left; and / or wherein the number 9 is represented by three individual segments (10.1, 10.2, 10.4), in particular by two vertical segments and one horizontal segment, preferably laterally arranged between the two vertical segments, more preferably above between the ends of the vertical segments; and / or wherein the number 0 is represented by four individual segments (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4), in particular by two vertical segments and two horizontal segments, preferably respectively arranged laterally between the two vertical segments, further preferably at the top and bottom between the ends of the vertical segments,Display device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the individual segments are arranged in abutment with the free ends (10a, 10b) adjacent to one another relative to one another; and / or wherein all four segments are formed as a rectilinear segment without curvature with respect to the respective longitudinal axis (M10).Display device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective segment is formed by an optical display element (11) consisting of at least one light source (12) coupled to the logic unit, in particular an LED light source; and / or wherein the respective segment extends two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally or is aligned or constructed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally.Display device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device (20) has a frame (23) configured for fastening or placing the display device, namely a frame having a bottom side (23.1) which is planar at least in sections for placing on a planar surface; and / or wherein the display device (20) or the respective four-segment display unit (10) has a vertical and / or horizontal extent of 5 cm to 5 m; and / or wherein the display device (20) furthermore has a one-segment display unit (19), in particular in an arrangement to the left of the four-segment display unit / s (10).Display device (20) having at least two, three, five or six four-segment display units (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device is designed as a clock, and wherein the four-segment display units are arranged individually or in pairs in each case next to one another; or display device (20) having at least two four-segment display units (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the individual segments (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4) are arranged in a rectangular geometry relative to one another according to the sides of a quadrilateral polygon, in each case at an angle of at least approximately 90° in abutment with the free ends (10a, 10b), wherein all four segments are each designed as a rectilinear segment, wherein the display device (20) has a frame (23) with an at least sectionally planar underside (23.1) designed for fastening or parking the display device.Display device according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the at least one display device (1) has at least one seven-segment display unit (3), wherein the at least one four-segment display unit (10) of the display device (20) is arranged in each case in a relative arrangement relative to the seven-segment display unit (3), in particular in an arrangement vertically one above the other in pairs.Use of a computer program product (30) for setting segments (10.1) in one of at least two states: state ON, state OFF, for representing characters, letters and / or numbers in each case by means of a plurality of the segments, wherein at least one number or digit sequence of the group or composed of the group of the following integers of the decimal system is displayed as digit symbols in each case by means of a maximum of four segments (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4) per digit symbol set by the computer program product: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9; namely in a display device according to one of Claims 1 to 7.Use of a plurality of four-segment display units (10) in a display device (20) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 for displaying number signs for a road user, in particular for displaying the time, in particular in connection with the traffic monitoring, in particular at airports.

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